Annual motorcyle ride will aid Weare twins with rare disease

WEARE — For the third year in a row, riders will rev their engines in support of twins Jack and Hunter Mackay twins, who are suffering from a rare disease called Morquio Syndrome.

On Saturday, the third annual Tour for the Twins motorcycle ride will raise funds to support Hunter and Jack Mackay, who live in Weare with their parents Matt and Alison Mackay and suffer from Morquio Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes their bodies to not produce the right enzymes to break down material in the cells.

The impact of the disease means the boys’ bones don’t grow as they should. The boys have each undergone two difficult spinal fusions along with countless other operations, according to their aunt, Heather Mackay, and their future will likely involve more medical procedures.

At the age of 5, the boys are still not able to walk on their own, said Matt Mackay’s aunt, Sally Anderson, although they can manage a few steps here and there.

“I think they will both need surgery on their hips and legs going down the road,” said Anderson. “It is a sad situation, and a financial burden on the parents, as only Matt can work so Alison can stay at home with them and make sure they get to their doctor’s appointments and preschool.”

Anderson said the family has been living in a small studio apartment with the twins and their older sister due to financial constraints, and every penny that’s been raised through the Tour for the Twins each year has been put to good use paying for transportation and special equipment for Jack and Hunter.

“They really need to get a house with handicap accessibility,” said Anderson.

The third annual Tour for the Twins will begin on Saturday at Dunkin’ Donuts in South Weare with registration beginning at 9 a.m. There will be a pool party following the ride at 2:30 p.m., where refreshments will be served.

For more information contact Heather Mackay at 603-486-8793 or by email at jandhmackay@yahoo.com.